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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Started by a Peruvian family -- a mom, a dad, and their daughter -- this company provides work and hope to hundreds of rural and urban Peruvians all over the country. Small groups of impoverished workers are trained to run their own small businesses making hand-knit clothing and accessories. In addition to providing much needed employment, they train workers throughout Peru in such valuable skills as quality control and production planning. Fair Indigo also works with this company's charitable arm by donating free breakfasts and school supplies to children of the workers.

Parents who have shopped for organic toys will appreciate the value of Joobles. Other pricier knit toys not only cost more, but are often made of acrylic yarn and not made under fair trade conditions. Joobles are not only 100% adorable but will improve our planet for the next generation by supporting small sustainable farming and fair trade. Isn’t it amazing how the right toy can make a difference?

Retailing for just $29 each, Joobles can be found online at Fair Indigoor at specialty e-tailers like Oompa.com. Visit Fair Indigo’s website to see detailed images of each animal. The colorful characters range from turquoise to celery green.

EMPOWERMENTSUSTAINABILITYTHE LOVE OF HANDCRAFTED ARTS and AgricultureThe continuation of TRADITIONand most importantly fair prices on products created by them. That economic strength goes back into their community

My favorite Joobles are Icy the Penguin and Mooey Cow. Fair trade works to get workers fair wages, not just minimum wage. It started in the coffee industry and has spread to the clothing industry. Fair trade has been more successful in Europe than the United States. Fair trade is important so that workers are not taken advantage of. Everyone should have the right to fair pay for his/her work. Just because someone is not highly educated doesn't mean they should be taken advantage of in the work market.

Thank you for the opportunity. This is an important issue that more people need to be aware of.

They pay fair wages to people working for them instead of just minimum wages like pretty much every employer does. This is extremely important because it's only fair to pay those who deserve, what they deserve not just some low wages. Paying them so little would be taking advantage of them and all the hard work they do. This company is amazing for doing such a great thing!

Calley the Cat is my favorite! Very cute, I had a hard time choosing! Fair trade is important-having 2 sisters in law in Central America who work 12 hours daily for pennies on the dollar it is important that companies recognize their hard work and pay them fair wages for work done-and that is one of the main points of fair trade, and it gives the workers a break out of poverty and hope to achieve a better living status.

It was interesting to know that there is no official third party Fair Trade certification program yet. I know some places may say things are made fairly, but I guess one never knows (not implying this about Fair Indigo!)

I love Fair Bear the best. These are so cute, and even better that the makers are being paid a decent wage.

Mel the Cow is so cute and cuddly looking! I read about Fair Trade and was impressed that they focused on what was fair for the workers and true to the cost. Minimum wage doesn't mean it can always provide. Times are changing, prices are going up and it is great to see someone notice that and help benefit the workers.

I love Bella the bunny. Fair trade is providing a fair, livable wage to the worker. Usually this is in third world countries that are still developing where poverty is rampant. These programs teach usable skills to workers and givew them a chance to break out of poverty.

My favorite Joobles are Mooey Cow and Jiff the Giraffe. They are the cutest ever! Fair Trade pays fair wages to people instead of the minimum wages and is concerned about working conditions for workers. This is important because many countries do not have laws regulating work conditions and workers are often mistreated and underpaid. Fair Trade fights against these practices by not purchasing from companies that don't follow their values or fair wages and good working conditions.

I love Mel the Monkey! These are wonderful! Fair trade is SO important because it allows people to earn fair wages to care for their families. These are real people working real jobs and they deserve to be treated well. I love finding new companies that have an emphasis on fair trade!jinglesells at gmail dot com

Fair Trade is very important because it ensures that people are getting paid a fair and decent wage for all their work. There are so many companies who take advantage of workers who are poor and desperate to earn a salary. Fair Trade makes sure those works are paid well for all their hard work.

Fair Trade is when workers are provided pay that is above minimum wage. It treats workers fairly and does not abuse their willingness to work. This should be a priority. We should care more about the workers than the material they produce.

I love the Buzzy Bug. Super cute. Icy the Penguin also has a bit of character.

Fair trade is just that. Fair payment/wages for the trade or work done. It is so important to me to make sure that people are getting wages they can live on that we choose to not purchase items in countries that are known for slave labor and poor conditions for their workers. It keeps fewer items out of our house, but is vital to for our world. I didn't know that coffee was one of the first fair trade items. I do look forward to seeing more clothing that is made fair trade as well.

My favorite is Pip, the dog. Too cute! Fair Trade... a movement, in this case, in apparel, to pay fair wages. It's important as a world leader not to take advantage of third world countries. We have the resources to pay, and not bully. I am a bit shocked to read that "With the exception of Fair Indigo, teen retailer American Apparel is the only major brand selling “sweatshop–free” clothing in the United States". Ack! I really thought there would be more. Fair trade is important. Very important. laurachilton {at} hotmail.com

Fair Trade is vital in communities where sweatshops exploit the families who struggle to survive. It allows the workers to earn a fair wage for their product. This produces a chain effect, improving the economic health of the entire community.Fair Trade products should not be just an option on the supermarket shelves - it should be THE ONLY option.

Aw, I love Calley the cat! I wish they had the sweater/hat combo to go with her!

Fair Trade...my job brings this one into play everyday. It's an essential component of bringing business to economically depressed areas of the world. It ensures the artisans are getting paid a fair wage for the products they create/harvest/farm/etc.

I think Icy the Penguin is adorable.Fair Trade is incredibly important - it allows developing countries to find sustainable means of supporting themselves through a fair wage, including providing an education for their children.I'm a supporter of my local fair trade organization and buy gifts at their stores. I'd encourage others to buy fair on the internet, but also support any local fair trade stores as well.

Fair trade provides wages that allows workers to live in comfortable living conditions. Having some disposable income allows them to better their lives, pay for needed health care, and provide food and shelter for their families. The wages paid are usually above the minimum wage for the locale. Thanks to Fair Indigo for being a responsible employer!

Fair Trade is quite important to me, but I shall refrain from going into a long lecture. ;)

Fair Trade fair wages rather than just minimum wages, Fair trade hs helped many indigenous peoples, fair trade is strict and not easily ascertained by companies. No Sweat Shops!! Not many clothing companies are Fair Trade, but Fair Traded clothing can be found.

Oops, I love buzzy bug! Fair trade is huge. So many people get taken advantage of. Many handcrafters deserve much more for their talents. i think it is a beautiful thing to help those who deserve more!

I love Icy the Penguin. Fair trade means that the workers are paid a fair wage for their work. This is important because this means that they are able to live pretty comfortably in the area they live in.

The Baby Recycled Fleece in Dutch Blue looks so comfy & cozy for little ones. I think it is wonderful to find a company like Fair Trade that enables workers to produce quality products that not only gives them employment but also pride in supporting themselves, their families and helps the economy in their communities.

I love Icy the Penguin and her matching sweater and hat/mitten set for girls. For boys, my favorite is Jiffy the Giraffe, along with the sweater and hat/mitten set. This would be such a cute baby shower gift for someone!

Fair Trade is important because it ensures that the people who are creating the items they produce are paid a fair wage for their labors, rather than a “minimum” wage, which is not enough to ensure a life above the poverty level.

I think Fair Trades is important because everyone deserves to be a paid fairly( above min wage ) for their hard work whether it be hard manual labor is sitting at a computer all day. Some people are experts or very good at what they do and deserve to get paid for it!!

My favorite is Jiffy the Giraffe. Fair trade is a way for people to be paid fairly than having to get 'minimun wage' which is very hard to live off of and support a family with. meinezweijungen{at}yahoo{dot}com

It is so great to see the "Fair Trade" Movement getting stronger. It is about time! It is only right for people to receive fair wages for their work. They need to be able survive on what they earn. These Fair Trade dolls are adorable. I like "Jiffy the Giraffe" the best. Please enter me in your delightful giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindijchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Fair Trade's policy is very important. By putting the people first they are not only giving them a fair wage to help support them (and their families) they are also increasing their self-esteem by showing them they have value as a person. This in turn will be spread through each and every person they employee.

What a beautiful concept! I'm very excited to have found this site and look forward to purchasing many items through them.

I love Mel The Monkey, soo cute.Fair Indigo is committed to finding the best fair trade factories and ensuring that our high quality clothes are produced by workers who are paid and treated fairly.tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

The giraffe is the cutest. If only the giraffe sweater were made for adults!

Equal wages and not taking advantage of people is always important. It's also crucial to encourage opportunity for people to establish themselves and be self-sufficient where it would otherwise be impossible.

i had a hard time choosing but mooey cow won out over my 2nd choice calley the cat- i like the details that are put into each and the vibrant colors. from visiting some of the 3rd world countries most don't want just a hand out, but with fair trade they get to share with us(consumers) unusual and unique regional products/talents and receive fair compensation for their products. for some that is the only way other people learn about a specific region or community. when they start receiving their money- for so many- that so desperate it can be the only sign of HOPE in their lives.

All the Joobles are so cute, it's hard to decide! I like Jiffy the Giraffe, Fair Bear, and Buzzy Bug for their bright colors.

Fair trade is important because everyone deserves a decent wage for the work they do. We in America have become so accustomed to ultra cheap products that we forget to care how much is being paid to the workers. Thank you for the reminder!

i like mel the monkey and jiffy the giraffe. Fair trade pays a decent days wages to the workers who make our clothing products. It started with the coffee industry and small shops selling indigenous clothing, but it is starting to move more mainstream. This means we aren't exploiting the workers for our gains.

I love Mel the Monkey and Jiffy the Giraffe! Fair Trade is a movement that pays fair wages to workers as opposed to the minimum wage which dominates the market. It offers employment opportunities that are not exploitative. The problem with fair trade apparel is that there is currently no independent third party certification process for fair trade apparel. It's up to the distributors, in this case Fair Indigo, to do the research into the source factories to not only ensure a quality product, but also that the workers are being treated properly.

I love Mel the Monkey. :) Fair trade is paying fair wages to people for their work. I found it interesting that US still lags behind UK in fair trade apparel, but hopefully it will gain momentum. It is just nice knowing when you buy something that it wasn't made in a "sweatshop".

I am a follower and I grabbed your button and posted about your blog in my blog. http://momofjstk.blogspot.com/2008/11/great-blog-discovery.html

The buzy bug is my favorite Jooble! Fair trade pays workers a fair wage. I was interested to read that American Apparel is the ONLY major sweat-shop free brand in the US besides Fair Indigo. My mom toured their factory once and was telling me about how they treat their employees really well and give them a bunch of benefits!

Calley the Cat! I've been a fair-trade fan for years. It means respect for the people who produce the goods and creating an economy that works. Thinking globally in our purchases ensures that everyone can live in dignity.

I love the giraffe and the mooey cow. Very cute. Fair trade is a great thing. People who work hard deserves fair wages, no matter where they're coming from. It's the only way for people to experience the "american dream" whether in america or not!

Fair trade is important because everyone deserves to earn a good wage so that they can support themselves and their family. I don't believe anyone should be paid minimum wage no matter what their job is.

My favorite is Fair Bear, but maybe that's just because I'm in love with the matching Baby Organic Fair Bear Sweater.

Fair trade is so important, providing workers with fair wages and not reducing them to sweatshop level minimum wages. There's a fair trade event in Spokane, Washington (where I grew up) every year that my mother used to take us to. The items are gorgeous and quality, they make wonderful gifts, and you feel good knowing you supported the people who made the goods!

SO many cute things! I love Mooey Cow. Fair Trade is important because it allows families to actually support themselves with their hard work rather than work and work for almost nothing a day. It empowers our world and stops the exploitation that goes on around the world in factories and mills.

The most important thing about fair trade to me is the fact that it is helping to bring economic strength back to the working class! Our mom's group goes to a coffee shop every week that only sells fair trade coffees and I've learned a lot from talking to the owner. I hope that more retail chains start using more fair trade products in the future!

I love the Jiffy giraffe items. Giraffes are my grandson's favorite. Wow! about fair trade. fair wages are so important to families. I believe if we practice fair trade it can only help our failing economy. Thanks for getting the word out!

I love Jiffy the giraffe, I love the bright colors! I love the fact that with fair trade workers earn a fair price or wage and are able to live relatively comfortable lives within the context of their local area. This means enough money for housing, a generous amount of food, health care, education for children, and some disposable income.Thanks for the great giveaway!ann dot guns at mac dot com

I think it's self-evident to pay people a fair wage - something they can live on and not only survive on. People are working under horrible conditions while the companies get richer and richer. That's why it's so important to buy fair-trade products aswell as ecological. We're at the end of exploiting our world and if we don't change soon enough it will perish.

My fav. Joobles is the giraffe. It looks so incredibly happy I can't stop smiling when I look at him.

Fair Trade practices provide a living wage and sustainablilty. The workers are treated fairly and have a chance to take care of themselves and their families at more than the poverty level for the area.